3.27.2012

bp's science: kids and germs (v.1)

In a recent article in Discover magazine, it was reported that when mice live in a sterile environment during "mice childhood", the immune systems they develop are not as strong as the immune systems of mice living in a normal environment. The article suggests that this finding could apply to children as well. If kids never come in contact with germs, their bodies cannot develop immune systems that correctly recognize a pathogen invasion, resulting in an overactive immune system (i.e., strong allergic reactions).

What is your parenting style when it comes to children and germs? Do you let them eat dirt? Lick the grocery cart push handle? Play at the playground and eat a snack without washing hands? Sounds a bit icky and, these days, what some would call parenting neglect, but there could be some value to it. What do you think?

I have no choice, my daughter puts everything in her mouth: when I am looking and even when I turn around for one second. But she seems fine and without much illness. Just have to be careful that she don't swallow large objects..hehehe

this is a toughy. in my mind I know that more exposure to germs will mean a stronger immune system, but my heart has a hard time swallowing the fact that that surely means more fevers, coughs, and tears, so I find myself sanitizing more than necessary. I even avoided the library after one nasty bout of what must have been Roseola. The previous commenters and you seem wise, however, and remind me that a little dirt never hurts.